Skills for Success

To achieve your personal best in law school, you must master a number of skills, both broad-ranging academic skills and specialized law-specific skills.  Following the guidelines of our recipe for success, work on mastering the following critical skills:

Reading actively and critically, 
Briefing cases, 
Taking and transforming notes,
Synthesizing rules,
Using learning styles effectively,
Using study groups effectively,
Using study aids effectively,
Learning and remembering material,
Creating course summaries or "outlines",
Creating flowcharts,
Spotting issues in a fact pattern,
Analyzing facts in light of the ruling law,
Managing time and setting goals,
Managing stress,
Writing effectively
Analyzing your own performance.  

Look for more help with specific skills in the list below.

Preparing for Class
Creating a Learning Environment • Active Case Reading • Reading for Speed and Comprehension  •  SQ3R  •  Case Briefing Basics  •  Case Briefing Tips  •  Case Briefing Checklist 

Understanding the Course Material
Outlining  •  Using Study Aids  •  Learning and Remembering Material

Putting Your Knowledge to Work
Writing Effectively  •  Sources for Practice Problems and Exams  

Preparing for and Taking Exams
Exam Strategies

Analyzing Your Academic Performance
Academic Self-Evaluation   

Managing Your Life
Managing Finances and Debt • Managing Stress • Quick Relaxation Techniques • Recreation

More Web Resources for Law School Skills

Last updated 2009-01-16